a single interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea that there is only one way to understand or explain something. Example: "In this complex text, the author seems to suggest that there is a single interpretation of the main theme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The story is much too clever to be caught in the net of a single interpretation.

The Guardian - Books

Titman brushed aside concerns that the colouring was placing a single interpretation on Faulkner's multifaceted work.

The Guardian - Books

"It is not the intention of the church to impose a single interpretation," he warned.

The New York Times

Or perhaps, as with any great work of art, the Decameron invites and ultimately eludes a single interpretation.

The Guardian - Books

One notable difference between Mr. Jansons and many other conductors is that he doesn't want to lock players into a single interpretation of a work.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately, English classes in high school are often limited to teaching reading comprehension and generally promote a single interpretation of a work's meaning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Data analysis according to interpretive phenomenology does not claim to identify a single right interpretation, but acknowledges that more plausible or comprehensive interpretations are always possible [ 27].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Nor is there ever a single valid interpretation of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Sometimes, though, a single, electrifying interpretation emerges to capture the public imagination and dominate the political response.

The Economist

When Mr. Cooper first auditioned for Mr. Jonze, he found he was unable to settle on a single, conclusive interpretation of his character.

The New York Times

Like Lee's film, it plays as a shotgun blast to the face of formal convention, it's stubbornly resistant to a single concrete interpretation, and it has a lot of very painful things to say about America today.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure that the context supports "a single interpretation" by providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a single interpretation" as the only possible one when alternative viewpoints exist, as this can lead to misrepresentation and hinder critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes the idea of having only one way to understand or explain something, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single interpretation" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the idea of one specific way of understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests alternatives like "a singular interpretation" or "a straightforward interpretation" to add variety to your writing. While often used in neutral to formal contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, it's crucial to remember that imposing "a single interpretation" may not always be accurate, particularly when multiple perspectives exist. Therefore, it is important to balance clarity with critical awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular interpretation

Replaces "single" with its synonym, "singular", emphasizing uniqueness or individuality.

a straightforward interpretation

Indicates an interpretation that is simple and easy to understand.

a unique interpretation

Emphasizes that the interpretation is the only one of its kind.

a unitary interpretation

Stresses the interpretation as a single, unified whole.

a unified interpretation

Highlights the interpretation's cohesive and integrated nature.

simple interpretation

Highlights the ease and clarity of the interpretation.

only one interpretation

Directly states that there is no other valid interpretation.

a certain interpretation

Indicates that one specific interpretation is being considered or imposed.

a single view

Focuses on the interpretation as a particular perspective or opinion.

a single reading

Replaces "interpretation" with "reading", often used in literary or textual contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a single interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "a single interpretation" to indicate that there is only one valid way to understand something. For example, "The professor argued that there was "a single interpretation" of the poem's symbolism".

What can I say instead of "a single interpretation"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique interpretation", "a straightforward interpretation", or "only one interpretation" depending on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to assume there is "a single interpretation"?

No, assuming "a single interpretation" is not always accurate. Many texts and events can be interpreted in multiple ways, depending on perspective and context. Critical analysis often involves exploring various interpretations.

What's the difference between "a single interpretation" and "multiple interpretations"?

"A single interpretation" suggests there's only one valid understanding, while "multiple interpretations" acknowledges that different viewpoints and contexts can lead to varying understandings of the same subject.